This week I am pleased to feature a local Christian author with a unique ministry. Jennifer Cote doesn’t use mystery, suspense, or drama to draw readers. Instead, she demonstrates the heart of God through divine recipes and real food for the soul.
From busing tables at a fancy restaurant and marrying at age seventeen, to young mother and entrepreneur, Jennifer was immersed in the food business. Initially making veggie burritos by the hundreds in a makeshift kitchen, she and husband Tom moved on to create The New Deli eatery of Pinole, California in 1985. With a menu of vegetarian items, foods made from scratch, plus standard deli fare, the eatery has been a success. Now Jennifer shares her experience as chef, business owner, mother, homemaker, and Christian. From the Land of Milk and Honey is the fruit of her labor; a cookbook/devotional with an emphasis on whole foods, natural flavors, and plenty of scripture.
You obviously have a love for cooking. When did you first realize your love for the kitchen?
While other kids were out playing, I’d often be baking cookies. What a thrill it was to be able to offer them something fresh out of the oven, when they stopped by! If I was “bored”, mom let me help her cook. Relatives would say, “You should sell these pies!” I was encouraged early on.
Besides cooking, what other activities do you enjoy?
I’m keenly interested in organic gardening. The family eats healthier because of it, and I can get my exercise. I also love worship music, learning the lastest songs, joining the worship team in leading worship. Another favorite activity: Being a grandma!
What inspired you to write a cookbook and how long did it take?
In our 20-some years of running our sandwich shop, many customers would request recipes. After the earlier, hectic years of child-raising, I was able to start compiling recipes adapted for families. When I became a born-again Christian at age 38, I realized an even greater purpose: To share scripture in my cookbook. People might be interested in recipes for dinner, but I could share the Bread of Life with them as well! Ten years later, it all came together in my cookbook/devotional.
Award-Winning Finalist in the Cooking, Food & Wine: Natural Foods category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards, Jennifer’s cookbook, From the Land of Milk and Honey, is available from Winepress Publishing (Or at Amazon.com). At $13.95 plus shipping, it makes an economical gift.
Jennifer, can you give readers a sample of one of your tasty recipies?
Sure. This is one of my favorite summer beverages.
Simple Punch Recipe
It’s great to have a simple, refreshing punch recipe on hand when feeding a crowd. This healthy, non-alcoholic punch recipe still tastes great. Change it up by using different frozen juice concentrates, although the raspberry is very delicious. Serves 6-8, but multiplies easily.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of soda water (unsweetened, carbonated water)
- 2 cans frozen raspberry/white grape juice concentrate (100% juice)
- Optional: 1 pint ice cream
Simply add the frozen fruit juice concentrate to a punch bowl, pour in the soda water, and top with some ice cream, if desired.
For a super-fizzy, layered effect, make individual servings. Add a tablespoon or two of the fruit juice concentrate to each glass, add a scoop of ice cream, and then pour the soda water over the top. Like a natural-style root beer float!
Jennifer, thanks for stopping by. Many blessings with your book and your business.
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